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School Sports to Allow Outdoor Spectators with Capacity Limits and COVID-19 Precautions

School Sports to Allow Outdoor Spectators with Capacity Limits and COVID-19 Precautions

Author: Public Health Department
Date: 3/12/2021 4:01:28 PM

Since local youth sports have resumed with modifications under recent guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), local officials have clarified that spectators for outdoor school sports will be allowed with capacity limits and precautions in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.

Disclaimer: This information may be outdated. For the most recent guidance and case details, visit SLOPublicHealth.org/covid19.

Update (3/17/21 4:30PM): This guidance is now out of date. Please see the updated information and guidance here.

San Luis Obispo, CA — Since local youth sports have resumed with modifications under recent guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), local officials have clarified that spectators for outdoor school sports will be allowed with capacity limits and precautions in place to limit the spread of COVID-19.This clarification comes in light of forthcoming State guidance regarding professional sports.

"Our community has worked hard to slow the spread of COVID-19, allowing us to begin reopening schools and youth sports -- now, we must keep up our vigilance so we can maintain these important opportunities for children,” said Dr. Penny Borenstein, County Health Officer. “As we continue to see community transmission and pay attention to emerging variants, we know that limiting large gatherings is key to keeping our community healthy and open.”

All participants and attendees must comply with COVID-19 safety precautions, including wearing face coverings and maintaining physical distance from other households. Venues will limit attendance to 20% capacity. Spectators are not currently allowed at indoor events.

In addition, State guidance recommends that schools offer ways for family and friends to watch practices and competitions remotely by live stream if feasible. It also requires organizers of youth sports to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 while returning to play, through steps such as regular testing of players and limitations on tournaments. The State guidance applies to all organized youth and adult recreational sports, including school, community programs, private clubs and leagues.

"I appreciate the consistent support and partnership from public health, our athletic directors, school administrators, and school boards in keeping our community safe,” said James Brescia, County Superintendent of Schools. “Adhering to COVID-19 safety precautions and capacity limits at outdoor sporting events and following the California Department of Public Health safety requirements allows us to continue increasing in-person service and school activities."

For more information, visit www.ReadySLO.org or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903. A staffed phone assistance center is available at (805) 543-2444 to assist with questions related to COVID-19 Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Deportes escolares permitirán espectadores al aire libre con límites de capacidad y precauciones COVID-19

Dado que los deportes juveniles locales se han reanudado con modificaciones bajo la guía reciente del Departamento de Salud Pública de California (CDPH), los funcionarios locales han aclarado que los espectadores para deportes escolares al aire libre se permitirán con límites de capacidad y se tomarán precauciones para limitar la propagación de COVID-19. Esta aclaración se sale a la luz después de las orientaciones estatales con respecto a los deportes profesionales.

"Nuestra comunidad ha trabajado arduamente para frenar la propagación del COVID-19, lo que nos permite comenzar a reabrir escuelas y deportes para jóvenes. Ahora, debemos mantener nuestra vigilancia para poder mantener estas importantes oportunidades para los niños", dijo la Dra. Penny Borenstein. Funcionaria de salud del condado: "A medida que continuamos viendo la transmisión comunitaria y prestamos atención a las variantes emergentes, sabemos que limitar las reuniones grandes es clave para mantener nuestra comunidad sana y abierta".

Todos los participantes y asistentes deben cumplir con las precauciones de seguridad de COVID-19, incluyendo el uso de cubiertas para la cara y mantener la distancia física de otros hogares. Los lugares limitarán la asistencia al 20% de su capacidad. Actualmente, no se permiten espectadores en eventos bajo techo.

Además, la guía estatal recomienda que las escuelas ofrezcan formas para que familiares y amigos vean prácticas y competencias de forma remota por transmisión en vivo si es posible. También requiere que los organizadores de deportes juveniles mitiguen el riesgo de COVID-19 mientras regresan al juego, a través de pasos como pruebas regulares de los jugadores y limitaciones en los torneos. La guía estatal se aplica a todos los deportes recreativos organizados para jóvenes y adultos, incluidos los programas escolares, comunitarios, clubes privados y ligas.

"Agradezco el apoyo constante y la asociación de salud pública, nuestros directores deportivos, administradores escolares y juntas escolares para mantener nuestra comunidad segura", dijo James Brescia, superintendente de escuelas del condado. “Eventos deportivos al aire libre y seguir los requisitos de seguridad del Departamento de Salud Pública de California nos permite continuar aumentando el servicio en persona y las actividades escolares.”

Para obtener más información, visite www.ReadySLO.org o llame a la Línea registrada de información de salud pública al (805) 788-2903. Alguien del personal en el centro de asistencia está disponible al (805) 543-2444 para ayudar con preguntas relacionadas con COVID-19 de lunes a viernes, de 8 a.m. a 5 p.m.